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Lisa Shaak Obituary
She was the wife of James Lee Shaak Jr., to whom she was married June 7, 1996.
Lisa was born in Pottsville, a daughter of Sandra Rose Spirko, with whom he resided, and Michael Spirko, Orwigsburg.
Her son, Joab, also born in Pottsville, was also a son of James L. Shaak Jr., Cressona.
Lisa was employed as a claims representative in the Pottsville office of the Social Security Administration since 1990.
Lisa attended St. Francis Parochial School in Minersville and was a 1986 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville, where she was active in student council, cheerleading and served as statistician for track.
In 1990, she graduated from the University of Scranton, earning her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in history. She had also done graduate work in public administration at Penn State University.
She was an active worker for the 1992 presidential campaign of Michael Dukakis.
They were members of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Minersville. Lisa was also a member of the University of Scranton Alumni Association. Lisa and Joab found their greatest pleasure in vacationing at Rehoboth Beach, Del., with their family.
Lisa is also survived by a son, Noah, at home.
Other survivors include a sister, Tara, wife of Jason Halupa, Pottsville; a brother, Michael Spirko, in Connecticut; a nephew, Isaiah Halupa, Pottsville; aunts, uncles and cousins.
Joab is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Sandra Rose Spirko, Cressona; his maternal grandfather, Michael Spirko, Orwigsburg; and his paternal grandparents, Gary and Janice Kent, Branchdale.
Other survivors include his aunts, Tara Halupa, Becky Mullins and Lisa Molochnick; his uncles, Michael Spirko and David Shaak; and great aunts and uncles.
The family will accept visitors Sunday 5 to 9 p.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Minersville. Vigil service at 7 p.m. in the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. David Liebner as the principal celebrant and the Rev. Stephen Maco as concelebrant. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Branch Township.
The family prefers remembrances in the form of contributions to the Shaak Family Trust Fund, Community Bank, 9 N. Centre St., Pottsville. Contributions will also be accepted at the church. Dutcavich Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Shaak
juanita sagusky
June 22, 2008
When you feel a gentle breeze
Caress you when you sigh
It's a hug sent from Heaven
From a loved one way up high.
If a soft and tender raindrop
Lands upon your nose
They've added a small kiss
As fragile as a rose.
If a song you hear fills you
With a feeling of sweet love
It's a hug sent from Heaven
From someone special up above.
If you awaken in the morning
To a bluebird's chirping song
It's music sent from Heaven
To cheer you all day long.
If tiny little snowflakes
Land upon your face
It's a hug sent from Heaven
Trimmed with Angel lace.
So keep the joy in your heart
If you're lonely my dear friend
Hugs that are sent from Heaven
A broken heart will mend.
there will always be an empty place in my heart that only you can fill, my dear angels...miss you ..aunt sis
June 17, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA.........
Today leaves us wishing you know how much you are missed. Not a day goes by when we don't think of you. This will be a tough day for all....... the void you left in our lives is endless. We love and miss you so very much.
P-nut Soponis(Babb)
August 16, 2007
To Lisa & Joab's Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss of Lisa & Joab.Lisa was a wonderful person.That smile of hers was like the sun.God Bless, Your all in my thoughts & Prayers,
P-nut (Babb) Soponis
Heather Greenhalgh
August 15, 2007
To the Shaak/kent and Spirko Families
I couldn't even imagine all the sadness you feel. Always remember that you are a part of Lisa and Joab's family here and in Heaven. They are with you always. My heart and prayers go out to all of you through this time of sadness and always.
Rita Souchak
August 15, 2007
Sandy and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always.
Sharon Angelo
August 15, 2007
Jim, Noah & Families -
You are in my thoughts and prayers - may God bless you.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord lift His countenance upon you,
And give you peace...
With Deepest Sympathy,
Crystal Melochick
August 14, 2007
Jim, Noah and family
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Time may heal, but know that the precious memories you've shared as family can never be taken away.
With our deepest sympathy,
Jack & Crystal Melochick and boys
Gale Veach and Family
August 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sarrow. I know the pain you are feeling I lost a Child to fire.Know you are not alone. Take one day at a time.
Mark Krammes
August 13, 2007
To the Shaak Families,
We are so saddened by this tragic loss of (2) beautiful people. We know each time an alarm comes in, we might face this tragedy with each and every call. We hope we never have to face it, but on this morning, reality really set in, and knocked us all on our butts. We constantly train for every obstacle we think fire can throw at us, and we still sometimes get beat. Please know, that every member in our fire company feels your pain. We all have families and children too, and never want this to happen to anyone, EVER! Thats why we train week in and week out, to better ourselves, to better protect the people in our community. Sometimes God calls his angels home early, and I believe this was the case this time. Lisa and Joab now have wings, and are flying around in a much better place than we are, not to mention no more suffering for Joab. Now it is time for God to put his arms around you, and help you move on into the rest of this life, not forgetting what you had, but celebrating the lives of Lisa and Joab. They say time heals all wounds, but I dont think you ever really get over the loss of loved ones. Be strong Mr. Shaak, and please again know, you are in all our thoughts and prayers from everyone here at Station 4, Liberty Fire Company, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
Louis Domday
August 13, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Eileen (Steffy) Purcell
August 13, 2007
Dear Sandy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about you loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patty Troy Shoener
August 13, 2007
To the Shaak and Spirko family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless,
Troy and Shoener family
Walter Reed
August 13, 2007
To the Shaak and Spirko Families:
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gina Enders and family
August 13, 2007
It will be the little things that you will remember; the quiet moments, the smiles and the laughter. Although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memory of these little things that help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again. May the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you at this time.
David Ryden
August 12, 2007
I know in my heart that Lisa and Joab are in peace together with Jesus. Jim and Noah, my thoughts and prayers are with you even though I coudn't be there this weekend with Darleen.
Beth O'Brien
August 12, 2007
To the Shaak family, you are in our thought & prayers. My boyfriend was one of the firemen at the fire that night. I could hear in his voice he was upset that a mother and son did not make it out. We think of you often and hope the happy memories will help you through this tragedy. God Bless you Noah, mommy and Joab are looking over you! Beth O'Brien & L Boyer, Station 4, Liberty of Sch Haven
LaVerne (Spirko) Lafferty
August 12, 2007
Sandy & Mike,
My Sympathy & Prayers go to you & your families.
Feel secure in the fact they are in Gods hands.
No bound is as great as that between a parent & child my deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jess Thomas
August 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. May God be at your side helping you through your days. Lisa is a hero and may you keep her and Joab close to your heart. They will always be with you.
Griffin Family
August 11, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
R Davis
August 11, 2007
May God bless you and your family in your time of loss.
Gene and Bev Williams
August 11, 2007
Mike and Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Take comfort in knowing that you have two special angels watching over you.
joseph and marie balulis
August 10, 2007
our deepest sympathy in this time of your loss. our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Alison Drum
August 10, 2007
Jim, Janice and family,
I think of and pray for you often. I will miss Joab very much and always keep him close to my heart. I will remember Lisa as a devoted and loving mother always wanting the best for Joabie. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Love, Alison Drum
August 10, 2007
Janice, Gary and family,
Our hearts break for your loss. I hope that time and your precious memories will bring comfort to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Your old neighbors, Dayna Jason and Kori Heffner
Judy Sukeena Ed Melusky
August 10, 2007
Dear Jim, Noah, and entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. May God Bless you.
Colton Bender
August 10, 2007
Dear Noah,
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you and your Dad.
Carleen & Glen Bensinger
August 10, 2007
JIM, OUR THOUGHTS AND PARYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR SON NOAH.
C B
August 10, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Shelly Delpais
August 10, 2007
Jim,
My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. May the love and memories that you and Lisa have shared for so many years bring you strength and inner peace in the days ahead.
Eileen {Inky} {heimbaugh} Barr
August 10, 2007
Dear Sandy and Family; I am very sorry you and your family had to endure this horrible nightmare. Know in your heart that they are in God's hands and will always be loved and missed. No one should ever have to go threw what you and your family is going threw. Know that you all are in my prayers.
cindy sonnon
August 9, 2007
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Sissy (Spirko) ,.Sagusky
August 9, 2007
My Dearest Angel Lisa,
I watched you grow into a beautiful girl,exploring and discovering this ever changing world.
I watched you grow into a beautiful woman, with dreams and visions of that special someone.
Then on those blessed days, God made you a mother , your caring and kindness of which there was no other.
My dear angel, so proud of you , i would always say, but now, God has taken you home today.
I wanted one more time to say i love you dear, and ask to save a place in heaven where we can again be near,
And know how much I'll miss you till the future becomes the past, till once again in God's Kingdom , we will all be together at last.
My Love Will Follow You,
Aunt Sissy
K R
August 9, 2007
Mr. Shaak,
You and your son are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength to cope and may you find peace.
Kim Feger (Di Filippo) class of "86
August 9, 2007
To the Shaak and Spirko families: God Bless you in this time of sadness. Lean on your family and friends to get through this very difficult time. I recently lost someone very close to me and it helps to be with others. Lisa was a classmate of mine and I know how wonderful she was. I only met Joab once but he left a lasting impression on me. You have two angels to watch over you. Take care.
Sandy Lynch
August 9, 2007
Jim and Noah, Please know that you both our in thoughts and prayers at this time and always. The Staff of Pediatrics at the Pottsville Hospital.
Denice Maurer
August 9, 2007
Dear Lisa,
I will always hold dear our childhood memories and our school days at St. Francis. May God now cradle you and your precious son, Joab, in his arms as He watches over your family here on Earth. May you and Joab find eternal happiness and peace together in heaven. My deepest sympathy to the families. Until we meet again Lisa......Your friend, Denice Grigalonis Maurer
Jordan Klega
August 9, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sister Marjorie Sweeney,SSJ
August 9, 2007
Jim, my thoughts and prayers are with you.Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in your great losses.May the love and care you have given to all those you served be returned in full measure. God bless you all. Shalom, Sister Marjorie
ERIN (McANNANEY) ORKIN
August 9, 2007
DEAR SANDY AND FAMILY,
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNOW YOU ARE HURTING NOW BUT TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT LISA AND JOAB ARE LOOKING AND SMILING DOWN ON YOU. I PRAY FOR YOU, JIM AND NOAH TO FIND PEACE. GOD BLESS YOU.
AK
August 9, 2007
TO THE SHAAK FAMILY,
WE ARE VERY SADDENED BY THIS TRAGEDY. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I HOPE YOU CAN FIND PEACE IN KNOWING THAT YOUR LOVED ONES ARE IN ETERNAL PEACE. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU. I KNOW YOU WILL ALL MEET AGAIN.
Pat & Jimmy (Ryan) Fox (U of S 1990)
August 9, 2007
Jim & Noah - We are all praying for you and are here for you. Please contact us if you need anything. We miss our dear Lisa and Joab.
CW4 Bernard Milyo, Jr.
August 9, 2007
Jim,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Know that you are in my prayers.
Bernie
Camp Taji, Iraq
Brian Fuller
August 9, 2007
Coach Jim and Noah,
I am sorry this happened. I hope you will be ok. I said prayers for you.
Beth Reilly
August 9, 2007
Mike and Family
I am so sorry for your tragic loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
a neighbor
August 9, 2007
god bless this family that has endured such a heartbreaking loss-know that you all were so loved and will b in everyone's thoughts and prayers daily.god help you through this tragic ordeal.i pray daily.
MARY JO HALYE
August 9, 2007
I WAS ONCE TOLD WHEN WE ARE BORN GOD GIVES US A EMPTY CANVAS THROUGH OUR LIFE WE PAINT A PICTURE AND WHEN GOD CALLS US HOME THE PICTURE IS LEFT FOR OUR FAMILIES SO THEY CAN HOLD ON TO PRECIOUS MEMORIES.I PRAY THAT YOUR MASTERPIECE WILL EASE THE PAIN IN YOUR HEARTS AND BRING A SMILE TO THE DAYS AHEAD.
AS LONG AS THERE IS A SKY ABOVE YOUR PRECIOUS LISA AND JOAB WILL BE WITH YOU.
George Stoddard
August 9, 2007
Jimmy, Sandy and families;
There are no words that can lessen your loss or ease your pain. Please know that friends, near & far, are thinking of you & praying for you. God bless you all.
George, Sue, Alexa & Giana Stoddard
C C
August 9, 2007
Dear Lisa and Joab, Your "journeys" here on Earth have ended and all of us will dearly miss you. You will live forever in our hearts till we meet again.
Dear Jim and Noah, I hope the love and comfort of your family and friends will see you through this time of sorrow. Let their memories bring you comfort.
God Bless
Jodi Staller
August 9, 2007
You're in our thoughts and prayers. The neighborhood will miss both of you and Lucky.
Robin Tracey
August 9, 2007
My true condolences to the Shaak family. I went to school with James, but did not know his wife and son. My prayers are with James now for his recovery.
Ruth (Garland) Allison
August 9, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Family.
Lisa and Joab are surely in the arms of God.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you
Sincerely
Mrs.Ruth (Garland)Allison class of 86
BLANCHE GERMANN
August 9, 2007
GARY AND JANICE, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ALL
LARRY GERMANN'S MOTHER
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